I had this piercing done about 2 months ago now and although it was unplanned I haven't regretted it for a second. One of my friends, Imogen, had been planning to have hers done for weeks and had come to the conclusion that the time was right. She asked me if I would come as well, and offered to pay for mine to be done if I would volunteer to go first. I couldn't resist. I did a quick bit of research into the procedure and risks as I always do before piercings. Satisfied that all was safe and good I agreed wholeheartedly to the deal.
At A Glance Author Ang Contact Ang@bme.anon When Three months ago Studio Ink Buzz Location Bexhill Town Centre As soon as school was out we went home to change into comfier clothes and easily removable tops. Another friend asked if she could come along to watch, and we said that would be fine. We tried to persuade her to have something done but she was insistent on just watching.
We first of all dropped into the Black Pearl in Sidley but the artist who did nipple piercings wasn't working that day. A little disheartened, but not willing to give up, we headed into Bexhill town and went into Ink Buzz. I was getting a little nervous by this point but asked them shakily if they had any time to do two nipple piercings. They did, and we were informed that it would cost £25 each, and then ushered into a back room. It was very well lit and clean which was reassuring, but it did remind me a little of doctor's surgeries, which always give me the shakes. Especially when needles are involved.
I was asked to remove my top and sit down. It was cold and I was very nervous by this point. I made an effort not to look at any needles or piercing equipment for fear of fainting (I have a horror of needles and blood, yet a strange love of piercings). My friends were watching me attentively. Imogen was watching for signs of distress and pain knowing that she was up next. I knew I had to be brave so's not to scare her.
The piercer then clamped my left nipple, and sprayed it with iced water. I was upset that there was no numbing fluid - I had hoped they would use some. I could feel myself shaking all over but held onto the chair and clenched my teeth. I looked up and the needle went through. It felt like my breast was on fire for the 2 seconds it was going through but I resisted the temptation to curse, and instead proclaimed as calmly as I could "Wow, that is quite sore isn't it?" He put the barbell through (that hurt a little but it was not a sharp pain like the needle) and it was over. I felt faint, mainly from nerves, but the piercing had been quick and hadn't bled at all. I got up and told Imogen that it had been nearly painless (a comforting white lie).
As I was admiring my piercing, Imogen took her turn at the chair. Hers bled a fair bit, but I know for a fact that she now loves hers just as much as me. The other friend was highly entertained by the whole episode and was quick to inform the world that she'd seen Angharad and Imogen cringing from pain with needles through their nipples. It was not at all sore after the event, and I followed the advice of the piercer giving it a warm salty bath twice a day to clean off any skank that collected at the ends, and not allowing my boyfriend to touch it or anything 'til it healed. It was occasionally slightly uncomfortable when I was not wearing a bra, but a supportive bra keeps it snug and safe. I did also walk into a door once and knocked it. That was rather sore.
It gradually got less and less scabby and after four weeks it was healed enough to take it out and clean it. Now it is completely healed up and a much loved addition. I cannot wait to buy myself some interesting jewellery for it. Every now and then dirt and stuff gets collected in it and I take it out for a clean. This is a bit weird, but I have found that if you take a printer ink replacing syringe with a blunt end and fill it with antiseptic it makes a good device for cleaning out the interior of the piercing that otherwise rarely gets cleaned.
All in all, if you feel like doing it, do! It's definitely worth it. It so fun to play with I have to refrain from touching it in public. It does hurt, but you only have to be brave for a couple of seconds. I've had all kind of different responses to it – some are totally disgusted by it, and some (luckily the majority) think it's really sexy and cool.
A party of us are going to get our tongues next! Again I'm deathly nervous about fainting and blood and needles, but can't wait to have it!
I'm thinking this Wednesday....
:D